Demand Planner

Job Description

Job Title: Demand Planner / Merchandise Planner (Fashion & Lifestyle) Location: Chandigarh (CCR) We are Theater, a fast-growing design-led fashion brand building timeless western-inspired footwear, bags, fragrances, and stockings for Indian consumers. We are looking for a dedicated Demand Planner / Merchandise Planner to own our inventory planning and forecasting. The role is all about ensuring the right stock is in the right place at the right time ? never overstocked, never understocked ? across channels. If you enjoy combining data-driven forecasting with the fast-moving world of fashion, this is for you. Why Join Us? At Theater, we?re building one of India?s fastest-growing D2C fashion brands. In just a few years, we?ve expanded into multiple categories and built a loyal customer base. As we scale towards becoming a 500+ Cr lifestyle house, you?ll be part of a high-growth environment where your work in inventory and demand planning will directly shape profitability, resilience, and scale. You?ll build systems from the ground up, shape how we manage stock across channels, and ensure the right balance between growth and efficiency. If you want a role where you?ll have end-to-end ownership and visible impact on business outcomes, join us. Role Purpose To ensure the company always maintains the right level of inventory across categories and channels?balancing availability with cost efficiency. This role will design and execute resilient inventory strategies that respond to fashion seasonality, changing customer tastes, and multi-channel dynamics (online + offline), thereby minimizing stockouts, overstocks, and dead inventory. Key Responsibilities 1.????? Inventory Planning & Forecasting ????????Build short-, mid-, and long-term inventory forecasts aligned with sales projections, seasonality, and new launches. ????????Collaborate with sales, merchandising, and marketing teams to factor in promotions, campaigns, and seasonal spikes. ????????Continuously refine demand forecasts using historical sales data, trend analysis, and predictive tools. 2.????? Optimization & Allocation ????????Monitor inventory across warehouses, offline stores, and online channels to ensure optimal allocation ????????Define and maintain safety stock levels to prevent understocking. ????????Develop policies for replenishment cycles, reorder points, and lead times. 3.????? Data & Systems Management ????????Own and improve the inventory management systems. ????????Create dashboards and reporting formats to track inventory KPIs (DIO, stock turns, sell-through %, return %, etc.). ????????Leverage analytics to reduce slow-moving or dead stock and improve working capital efficiency. 4.????? Cross-Functional Collaboration ????????Work with sourcing & production teams to align purchase orders with forecasted demand. ????????Partner with finance to optimize cash flow tied to inventory. ????????Coordinate with sales & distribution teams for timely stock movement. 5.????? Resilience & Risk Management ????????Build contingency buffers against supplier delays, market volatility, and trend shifts. ????????Monitor external factors like festivals, weather, and macro-trends impacting fashion demand. ????????Proactively design liquidation strategies for slow-moving stock. Key Skills & Competencies ????????Strong analytical ability with experience in forecasting & demand planning. ????????Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets; familiarity with ERP/WMS tools (EasyEcom, Unicommerce, Zoho, etc.). ????????Knowledge of fashion retail dynamics?seasonality, assortments, and SKU complexity. ????????Ability to balance operational detail with strategic thinking. ????????Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration. KPIs / Success Metrics Stock Availability Rate (reduce stockouts). Sell-Through Rate (ensure faster movement of inventory). Inventory Turnover Ratio (efficient stock cycles). Reduction in Dead/Obsolete Stock % . Forecast Accuracy % (variance between projected and actual demand). Improved Working Capital Efficiency (lower DIO without hurting availability). Ideal Background 3?6 years? experience in demand planning, inventory management, or supply chain (preferably in fashion, lifestyle, or FMCG). Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA/PGDM preferred. Prior exposure to D2C + offline retail is a strong advantage. Application Process: Interested candidates may send their CVs to [email protected] with the following subject line: ?Demand Planner CV ? Theater is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.